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A renovation or refurbishment project may be initiated for many different reasons, but it seems to always involve cost and inconvenience – so when we go for it, we should make sure to do it right. Below is a checklist on what we believe is essential when it comes to these projects.
Renovate for energy savings
Energy savings are often an obvious trigger for a renovation project, and its importance can’t be overstated. Roughly 75% of the building stock in Europe is currently energy insufficient. Any project involving an existing building needs to look into the energy performance overall, and the indoor climate systems specifically. There are most likely gains to be made, not only in terms of saving the planet, but also in reducing energy costs and increasing building value.
Indoor environmental quality is a reason for change
It may not be the immediate reason for the project – measures to increase energy efficiency or to introduce a new floor layout may be more common – but while refurbishing the premises, always think twice about the invisible factors. Not only will the indoor climate be a growing concern in terms of safe and healthy office spaces, but research is clear on the huge impact on productivity and decision making. No tenant or property owner can afford to ignore this in the long run.
Aesthetics should not be neglected
The building may need renovation – but it may also have a charm worth protecting or it may even be a building listed for its historical or architectural properties. Discrete solutions that blend in, or solutions that stand out and enhance the impression of the property could both be delivering on the “must do’s” mentioned above without destroying other values of the building. Renovations may therefore both preserve and modernize.
Make the process to commissioning easy
Let’s face it – not all products are ideal for retrofitting. That’s why a broad product range is essential, giving an extensive toolbox to work with. Physical space is normally an issue in renovation projects. If the chosen products are easy to get into the building one of the typical headaches of refurbishment is cured. Products that are easy to install help combat another typical challenge of tight timelines. And if the same supplier can deliver all key components and make sure they work well together, all the better.
Think flexibility – as in not having to do this again
The ultimate refurbishment project is the one that doesn’t have to be done again. With the right set of products from the beginning the indoor climate system may be adapted rather than replaced in the future. This is often possible if investments are made in a system of products – from room to rooftop – with wide capacity ranges and controls which can adapt as the activities and occupancy of the building evolves.
Assign the right partner
Sometimes renovation and refurbishment projects are under extra time pressure – an existing tenant may already be in place, every delay or complication will immediately create problems. In these cases, all the soft factors becomes more important. High quality products ordered from a supplier with a skilled support organisation will reduce the risk of timeline disturbances.
So how can we help going forward?
There is an anticipated boom in office renovations and refurbishments as adaptations are needed to comply with the many and varying post-pandemic work-life expectations, and the more ambitious and distinct global targets of minimised carbon footprint. We have put together a guide section where trends and challenges are summarised and where an assortment of product and solutions are presented which make renovation and refurbishment projects smoother and easier for all involved.
